Exploring Austria's Bordering Countries: A Geographic Overview

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe with a population of over 8 million. It is surrounded by several countries, including Switzerland, Italy, Hungary, and Germany. The country has a varied landscape, from the mountains of the Alps in the west and south to the lowlands and hills of Bohemia and Moravia in the northeast. Vienna, its capital, is located in the area where the Danube River emerges from the mountains into the plains. In this introduction, we will explore the geographical location, landscape, and political borders of Austria in more detail.

Germany borders Austria to the north

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe with a predominantly mountainous landscape. It has a total area of 83,871 square kilometres (32,383 sq mi) and a population of over 8.6 million people. The country is bordered by Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west, Germany and the Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, and Slovenia and Italy to the south.

Austria's landscape is dominated by the Alps in the west and south, with the Central Eastern Alps, the Northern Limestone Alps, and the Southern Limestone Alps all partly within its territory. The Austrian Alps form the physical backbone of the country and can be subdivided into a northern and southern limestone range, composed of rugged mountains, and a softer central range composed of crystalline rocks. The highest elevation in the country is the Grossglockner, at 3,797-3,798 metres (12,460-12,461 ft above sea level).

The westernmost third of Austria consists of a narrow corridor between Germany and Italy that is between 32 and 60 km (20 and 37 mi) wide. The rest of the country lies to the east and has a maximum north-south width of 280 km (170 mi). Austria extends roughly 580 km (360 mi) from east to west.

Liechtenstein and Switzerland are west of Austria

Switzerland is a landlocked state with a population of over 8 million people. It is geographically split between the Jura, Swiss Plateau, and the Alps. The country occupies an area of about 15,940 square miles and is made up of 26 cantons. The majority of its residents live in large cities like Geneva and Zurich, which are on the Swiss plateau. Switzerland and Austria share a 158-kilometre-long border (or 98 miles) in two places. The shortest stretch of the Austria-Switzerland boundary runs through the Alpine Rhine into Lake Constance, while the longest stretch extends through the Grison Alps.

Liechtenstein, on the other hand, is a double-landlocked state bordered by Austria to the north and east and Switzerland to the south and west. It is a small German-speaking country with a population of about 37,877 people, making it the fourth smallest European state. It occupies an area of about 62 square miles. The Austria-Liechtenstein boundary is 21 miles long.

Both Switzerland and Liechtenstein are non-European Union member states.

Hungary and Slovakia are east of Austria

Hungary is a landlocked state occupying an area of about 35,920 square miles in Central Europe. The Austria-Hungary border is about 205 miles long. The current borders were established by the Trianon Treaty, which was signed in 1920. From the end of World War II until 1989, Austria and Hungary were separated by an electric border fence. However, in 1989, with the collapse of communism in Hungary, this fence was removed. In October 2017, Hungary's foreign affairs minister announced the opening of six new crossing points along the border with Austria.

Slovakia, which lies northeast of Austria, is also a landlocked state in Central Europe. Covering an area of about 19,000 square miles, Slovakia's landscape is mostly mountainous. The Austria-Slovakia border is about 185 miles long, with the lower course of the River Morava forming a large part of it. There is a crossing point at the border that connects Berg in Austria and Bratislava in Slovakia. The only motorway crossing between the two countries is in Jarovce.

Austria has a total area of 32,385 square miles and a population of over 8.6 million people. The country is divided into nine individual states and has Vienna as its capital, located in the northeast. The highest point in Austria is about 12,461 feet above sea level, and 68% of the country is over 1,640 feet.

Italy and Slovenia are south of Austria

The Austria-Slovenia boundary is about 185 miles long and is dominated by the Pohorje massif, Karawank chain, Kamnik-Savinja Alps, and the Julian Alps. The busiest crossing is the Sentilj-Spielfeld checkpoint, which has facilities for processing and screening migrants.

Austria is a landlocked state with a population of over 8,823,054. It is a Federal Republic surrounded by Liechtenstein, Slovenia, Italy, Hungary, Slovakia, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland. It has a total area of 83,871 square kilometres (32,383 sq mi). Austria shares national borders with Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west, Germany and the Czech Republic to the north, Hungary to the east, and Slovenia and Italy to the south.

The Czech Republic is also north of Austria

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe with a population of over 8.6 million people. It is bordered by eight countries: the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. The Czech Republic is one of the countries that share a border with Austria and it is located north of Austria.

The Czech Republic is a unitary parliamentary state in Central Europe. It covers an area of about 30,450 square miles and has a population of over 10.6 million people. The country is the most non-religious and sixth safest state in the world. Its capital and largest city is Prague, which is home to over 1.3 million people. Other major cities in the Czech Republic include Plzen, Ostrava, and Brno.

The border between the Czech Republic and Austria is approximately 249 miles long. Some of the towns located on the border include Ceske Velenice, Mikulov, and Drasenhofen in the Czech Republic, and Gmund and Breclavin in Austria.

The Czech Republic and Austria share a history that dates back to the establishment of the Habsburg monarchy in the 16th century. For centuries, the two countries were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which collapsed after World War I.

The Czech Republic and Austria have had a close relationship over the years, with strong economic, cultural, and political ties. They are both members of the European Union and have similar landscapes, with mountainous regions and scenic attractions.

The Czech Republic's proximity to Austria has influenced their shared history, culture, and trade. The border between the two countries has played a significant role in shaping their relationship and continues to be an important aspect of their connection.

Frequently asked questions